Liverpool fans were likely caught off guard by the news of the club’s escalating interest in Federico Chiesa as the summer transfer window draws to a close. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X (formerly known as Twitter) last night that negotiations are ongoing, and the Italian winger is reportedly “excited” about the potential move to join Arne Slot’s squad at Anfield.
Chiesa, who is known for his speed and agility on the wing, had an impactful season last year, contributing 13 goals across 37 matches in various competitions. This kind of performance has naturally sparked interest from clubs like Liverpool, who are keen on bolstering their attacking options.
The big question, however, remains: How much would Liverpool have to shell out to secure Chiesa’s signature? Early reports from August, citing Mirko Di Natale via the Liverpool Echo, suggested that Juventus might be willing to let Chiesa go for as little as £13 million. Considering his age and potential, this figure could be seen as a real bargain for a player about to enter his prime years.
But does Chiesa’s injury record pose a risk? A closer look at his history of appearances in league matches over the past few seasons paints a somewhat mixed picture.
– In the 2023/24 season, he featured in 33 games, missing only 5 due to injury.
– The 2022/23 season was less favorable, with Chiesa playing in 21 games and missing 17 due to a cruciate ligament tear carried over from the previous season.
– In 2021/22, his injury woes continued, limiting him to 14 games while missing 24.
– The 2020/21 season was much better, with Chiesa playing in 33 games and missing just 3.
– Going back to 2019/20, he played in 34 matches, sitting out only 2.
Over these five seasons, Chiesa has been available for about 71.05% of league fixtures. While these numbers do suggest some vulnerability, the narrative that he would be incapable of serving as a reliable backup forward for Liverpool may be overstated. In three of the last five Serie A seasons, Chiesa managed to feature in over 30 games, which is a respectable tally for any forward.
That said, there is a legitimate concern regarding the Premier League’s higher physical demands compared to Serie A. The English top flight is known for its intensity and pace, which could potentially exacerbate Chiesa’s injury problems. However, it’s important to consider the style of play under Arne Slot, who is known for a more measured, energy-conserving approach, which might suit Chiesa well. Additionally, the influence of Liverpool’s lead physical performance coach, Ruben Peeters, could be a significant factor in managing and potentially reducing Chiesa’s injury risk.
In conclusion, while there is some risk involved, the potential rewards of bringing in a player of Chiesa’s caliber could outweigh the drawbacks, especially if he is not relied upon as the primary forward. If Liverpool can strike the right balance in his usage, Chiesa could prove to be a valuable addition to their attacking lineup.